Antique Brass Fire Resisting Safe Escutcheon Keyhole Cover – c.1880–1910

Antique Brass Fire Resisting Safe Escutcheon / Keyhole Cover – c.1880–1910

A wonderfully characterful piece of antique safe furniture, this circular brass escutcheon once formed part of a fire-resisting safe, protecting and disguising the keyhole while adding a handsome decorative flourish to the front of the safe door.

Measuring approximately 10cm in diameter, the escutcheon is cast or pressed in brass with bold raised lettering around the border reading “FIRE RESISTING SAFE”. At the centre is a decorative raised floral rosette which swings aside to reveal the keyhole beneath. Two fixing holes sit to either side, showing where the piece would originally have been mounted to the safe door.

The design is both functional and highly decorative. The raised lettering, stippled background, floral centre and small club-like motifs give it a strong late Victorian or Edwardian appearance. While there is no visible maker’s name, it belongs to the same world as the grand 19th and early 20th-century fire-resisting safes produced for offices, banks, shops, solicitors, railway buildings and private households — safes designed to protect money, deeds, ledgers and important papers from both theft and fire.

This piece has a beautiful aged surface, with darkened recesses, rubbed brass highlights, old oxidation and verdigris to the reverse. The patina is very much part of its appeal, giving it a richly atmospheric industrial look. It would make a fabulous decorative object for a collector of antique hardware, safe fittings, locksmithing history or industrial interiors. It could also be used as a restoration part, a cabinetmaking detail, a display piece, or a prop for period styling.

A small but striking survivor from the age of heavy iron safes, commercial offices and handwritten ledgers — full of texture, history and old-world practicality.

Details

Date: Likely late Victorian to Edwardian, c.1880–1910

Material: Brass / brass alloy

Diameter: Approx. 10cm

Type: Safe escutcheon / keyhole cover

Wording: “FIRE RESISTING SAFE”

Mechanism: Central rosette cover swings to reveal the keyhole

Fixing: Two original screw holes to the sides

Condition

In good antique condition with age-related wear throughout. There is surface rubbing, tarnish, darkening, oxidation, verdigris to the reverse, and signs of previous use consistent with age. The central cover is present and the keyhole is visible when moved aside. Please see photographs for the full condition and surface detail. This piece has not been polished, preserving its authentic aged patina.